Lovin’ Life
We often need the reminder that gratitude is an attitude we carry with us throughout the day, not just in the few minutes we spend noting items in a gratitude journal and not just one day in November!
How can we spread gratitude around as we enjoy our days? Three simple techniques are:
- learn the names of folks as we interact, and remember and USE their names,
- say “please” and “thank you” and tell them what we appreciate in them, and
- easiest of all-smile!
These simple techniques create powerful human bonds and benefit both the receivers and the givers.
Here’s an idea that has worked for me:
Do you ever wake in the middle of the night with worries or to-do lists swirling in your mind like I do?
Here’s a suggestion I’ve used to elevate my thoughts and get back to sleep. (As you know, I’ve previously been an English teacher, owned a bookstore, and LOVE words!)
I review in my mind the “ABCs of Gratitude.”
Beginning with the letter A, I list things I appreciate, such as awareness, air, and animals.
Then I move through the remaining letters, especially noting the wonderful people in my life. Rarely do I make it all the way to Z (zippers, zebras, zoos) without falling asleep.
And the best part is that I’ve released the worries or to-do list from center stage in my mind.
Gratitude can put a smile on our faces!
Here’s an affirmation you can use!
“I give thanks for the gift of health and for the intelligence moving through my body that knows how to sustain it. I am grateful for all the people who have been drawn to me to love and for the blessings that come from loving each one. I give thanks for all the good I have received thus far and for the good that’s on its way to me. I am grateful for the peace in my heart and the calm knowing that all is well.”
And what are you most grateful for?
8 Comments
I am grateful for a good husband, friendly doggies, a warm and friendly house.
Barbara, there are so many things we take for granted that are gifts in our lives-like good husbands, friendly doggies, and a warm and friendly house! Thanks for sharing with us!
I am grateful for loving friends like you. One of life’s greatest blessings.
Lea, I love you!
I am grateful for the simple things in life, like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. And Winnie the Pooh who loves his little smackerel of honey more than anything. Except his friends of course. Sometimes it is hard to be grateful for things that we didn’t ask for and that we find less than pleasant but if we can do that, we can find the treasure that is waiting for us.
Mary Kay…and did you notice how the simple things are the most lovable? I too have to work at being grateful for some of the things that I wouldn’t have chosen if I had the choice. But I have been able to look back at some of them and see the blessings they brought.
I am grateful for so many things, and especially for all the wisdom you have taught/given me since we met! I am a different person thanks to your patience and teaching! I will be trying the a,b,c’s for gratitude tonight when my mind wakes me and starts racing with to do’s and what ifs!!
Tish, our friendship over the years has blessed me as well. I’ve loved working with you and sharing ideas together!